Seeing legendary actors play a variety of different roles in multiple movies and TV shows is part of the fun for some viewers. Like the complete transformation of Nicole Kidman into Lucille Ball for Be the RicardoFor Charlize Theron’s starring lineup in romantic comedies and adventure thrillers, it’s exciting to see actors change their craft to suit the project.
However, some actors are often cast in films that ultimately see them portray a similar type of character that they’ve often played multiple times in the past (which, unfortunately, can lead to them being typecast). In fact, some Redditors have even debated this, with some talking about how audiences can see the actors’ own personalities start to creep into the performance, to the point that it’s hard to tell if George Clooney and ‘The Rock ‘play characters. or maybe just slightly exaggerated versions of themselves.
George Clooney
George Clooney has been in the business for a long time, but his roles haven’t really been versatile. In real life, he’s known for his advocacy work and his serious yet charming demeanor (which is exactly the type of character he usually portrays in his work).
Jeff Goldblum
Jeff Goldblum is best known for his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm in jurassic park, a character he has played in every spin-off and sequel. Even when his character’s name isn’t Ian, Goldblum continues to play roles with similar energy and personalities, at least according to fans.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker is best known for her role in Sex & The City – a series that went on to have two films and a revival series. Although she’s been with the company for decades now, Parker can’t seem to shake Carrie’s role and is attracting similar roles on every project she’s attached to.
One Reddit user wrote that although they love Parker, they see her range as limited, saying “Sarah Jessica Parker is Carrie Bradshaw in every movie. Even in movies she’s done before sex and the city. Even the witch she plays Hocus Pocus is Carrie Bradshaw.”
Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell is one of the biggest names in comedy, best known for his roles in Presenter, Elf, and his mandate on Saturday Night Live. Despite his success in the business, it’s hard to tell his characters apart in every movie he’s starred in. They’re all goofy, a little aloof, and hilarious.
Redditor jstehlick echoed that sentiment, explaining that while Ferrell is funny, his characters are still eerily similar to each other, “Will Ferrell is a bit of a one-trick pony. Of course, his character has some major differences based on the script, but, at the end of the day, his version of a newscaster, pro skater, basketball player, wedding/funeral crasher, nascar racer, and more. is pretty much the same character every time.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch took to the stage with his starring roles in sherlock and strange doctorhowever, it’s not hard to see that these two roles have a lot in common, like most of the other roles in which he was cast as a wise, yet aloof and outspoken person.
Reddit user berninger_tat explained the archetype that Cumberbatch typically embodies: “Benedict Cumberbatch always plays an overly smart but arrogant pr**k. See sherlock, strange doctor, Imitation game.”
Judy Greer
Judy Greer has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry as the queen of romantic comedies, but not in the way you might expect. Instead of starring herself, Greer is always the main character’s best friend, sometimes an enemy as well (13 Continue 30) or a little jaded (27 Dresses).
Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler has done plenty of hit comedies, even branching out into rom-coms opposite Drew Barrymore. In most of these roles, he plays the stupid man who needs to learn something and usually has a love interest to guide him through the movie.
One reddit user summed it up best, stating “Adam Sandler always tends to play the naive/obnoxious guy who resolves the movie’s conflict by learning a comforting lesson […and finding love along the way].”
Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman has starred in many movies and TV shows ranging from comedy to drama to fantasy. Yet he still seems to be playing a character with the same goofy, kind personality (as fans might see with Really love, Nativity, and sherlock).
Redditor BaconShooter wrote of Freeman’s filmography: “No matter what film he appears in, he’s always a slightly confused and awkward Brit who finds himself in a delicate and confusing situation in which he deals with his clumsiness.”
Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter is another actress with an impressive list of credits, but the characters she’s played all have a lot in common. There’s rarely a movie starring Carter that doesn’t make her come across as slightly untrustworthy and a bit evil, and most of the work she does is in the dark fantasy genre.
Dwayne The Rock Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s acting career has really taken off over the past decade, but many of the roles he’s landed seem like just an exaggerated version of himself. In fact, he even has a show on NBC, Young Rockwhere he plays the older version of himself.
Reddit user prodandimitrow wrote on the ar/movies thread, “I feel The Rock is The Rock in every movie he’s in.” “The Rock” is usually cast as a strong, alpha male character who leads his team to victory over the movie’s villains.
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